Knoxville Relief Fund
Dear Friends,
We are all deeply saddened by the news this weekend of the tragedy at the Tennessee Valley UU Church (TVUUC), which also affected members of the Westside Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
President Sinkford and the UU Trauma Response Ministry Team are now on the ground in Knoxville. For more information on the UU response, click here.
Below, you will find a copy of the press release from President Sinkford. Information is also available at www.uua.org. To subscribe to the UUA news announcement listserv, click here.
What you can do to help:
The Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations in collaboration with the Thomas Jefferson District has established the Knoxville Relief Fund to bring ministry, spiritual care, and practical financial assistance to those affected by the tragedy in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Those killed and injured were from two area congregations that were participating in a joint worship service at TVUUC. Letters of sympathy may be mailed to both Knoxville congregations:
Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
2931 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919-4624
Westside Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
616 Fretz Road
Knoxville, TN 37934-1604
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have at (888) 792-5885 or campaign@uua.org.
In faith,
Catherine Lynch
Director of Campaigning
UUA President William G. Sinkford Released this Statement on July 27, 2008:
“I am shocked and sorrowed by the terrible shootings in the sanctuary of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. My heart is heavy and my prayers are with our injured sisters and brothers in Knoxville. While many details of this tragedy remain unclear, our Association will do all we can to support Unitarian Universalists in Knoxville in the hard days to come.
A tragedy such as this makes us acutely conscious of the beauty and fragility of our lives and those of our loved ones. I am especially saddened by this intrusion of violence into a worship service involving children and youth. I know that many people, both in Knoxville and around the country, are struggling with shock and grief right now. I pray those so affected will find strength and comfort.
Members of the Unitarian Universalist Trauma Response Ministry are on their way to Knoxville to offer additional ministry to the congregation as it grieves. And Unitarian Universalists around the world are sending love and prayers to the Tennessee Valley congregation to tell them they are not alone on this dark day.”
